Former Chelsea player Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has said that he feels Brazilian youngster Estevao needs to be given more game time by Xabi Alonso and is "puzzled' that he isn't in the starting 11.
So far this season, Estevao has only played 23 Premier League minutes under Xabi Alonso, but after an impressive performance against India in Brazil's last friendly before the Premier League resumes, means that he could be in consideration for a starting place against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Since his time at Chelsea, Estevao has always shown glimpses of his quality but really never nailed down a spot in the squad, being mainly used as an impact substitute. Despite the bit-part appearances, he has still racked up eight goals and four assists in his debut season for the Blues.
Estevao suffered a heartbreaking injury in April last season, meaning that he missed out on a spot in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the World Cup. Since his return, he's struggled to get into Xabi Alonso's XI, with his only two starts coming in the Carabao Cup.
The Metro recently reported Estevao is growing frustrated by his lack of game time, and Barcelona manager Deco is closely monitoring his minutes. After an impressive performance against them in the Champions League last season, it's no wonder why the Spanish side wants him on their books, with them even pursuing him closely during his time at Palmeiras, before his move to Stamford Bridge.
Hasselbaink is no stranger to feeling like he's not getting enough minutes. With his time at Chelsea filled with off-field disagreements with managers and injuries during his four years at the club, he told MRQ that he is a "big lover" of Estevao, thinking he is "a super talent", with his lack of game time being "a pity".
"‘I would like him to be in the team because he creates and he plays with guts."
But Hasselbaink believes that he is just as good as, or even better than, some of the attacking talent that Alonso has at his disposal and has been given more game time than the young Brazilian.
"‘Don’t get me wrong, we have got up front three really good players for Chelsea in Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, but why can we not have four? Can we get the fourth one in?’"
Off the back of his goal and assist against India on Saturday, Estevao is sure to come back to Chelsea with confidence and the hope that he can force his way into more game time, with Hasselbaink continuing to say, "I think he can do it. But he has to believe it himself."
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